When production on the movie began in 1995, Michael Jordan had just come back from retirement … so he and Pippen were teammates in the Chicago Bulls again — which had people wondering why didn’t #33 have a significant role???

So, when we saw Pip at LAX on Thursday, we needed that explanation!!!

I think I was injured or recovering from offseason injuries,” Pippen said … “I wasn’t able to participate.”

If he WAS healthy though, Pippen says he would have agreed to a role in a heartbeat.

Meanwhile, LeBron James is already shooting the sequel — and some people are wondering why he didn’t sign Zion Williamson to take on the MonStars.